Vaudreuil-Dorion art exhibit explores the condition of women Artist’s show Shatter examines how fashion can project female confidence
A new exhibition opening in Vaudreuil-Dorion this week by a West Island artist aims to explore the often contradictory feelings women have about beauty and fashion. Artist Nicoletta Pasquino said the fashion industry is notorious for exploiting women’s insecurities, yet for many women fashion is also a powerful tool to project confidence and express themselves. Pasquino, who lives in Dorval, explores this paradox through her work. In her exhibition, Shatter, she said she hopes to reclaim and reframe the image of women in fashion. The collection incorporates collaged sewing patterns and iconic symbols of high fashion, such as the classic pop of red lipstick against a monochromatic palette. “Fashion has always been something I love, but within that framework there’s so many issues that are problematic for me,” Pasquino said. “My work is really about reclaiming those images and making them our own, just like a seamstress takes a pattern and makes it fit the person she’s making the dress for. It’s still the same dress, but configured for that woman.” Pasquino’s work will be featured for the next few months at Trestler House along with two other female artists, painter Sarah Murphy and mixed media artist Émilie Léger. The opening reception, from 7:309:30 p.m. on Thursday, will feature a talk by art critic and professor Norman Cornett about the philosophy behind her work. Cornett said when he first came across Pasquino’s art last year, he was struck by the way she contextualized the idealized image of a woman against the tactile materials used to create that image, such as sewing needles, fabric and thread. “When you look at the paintings, she is dealing with the materials out of which women construct their life,” said Cornett. “The message with Pasquino is that women build their lives from their everyday existence. From being anchored in their everyday reality they strive for beauty in their context.” For the opening reception, Pasquino has invited 21 girls and women representing various ages and stages of life to bring in her smaller paintings in a runway-style parade. She has also invited women who come to the event to wear red lipstick, mirroring the red lips in so many of her paintings. “I’m hoping that by putting on the red lipstick people will feel like they’re not just observers but also celebrating who they are and being part of the event,” said Pasquino. Pasquino’s work will be displayed at Trestler House, 5 Chemin de la Commune, Vaudreuil-Dorion, until June 3. For more information, call 450-455-6290 or visit trestler. qc.ca.